Public Comment Period Still Open for Proposed Sage Grouse Season
Idaho Fish and Game is proposing one option for the 2017 sage grouse season, which is the same as the season offered in 2016. Statewide, the proposed seven-day season would be from Sept. 16 through Sept. 22, with a one-bird daily limit within sage-grouse range, except in designated closed areas.
To read the proposals and submit comments online, visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/comment. Hunters can also visit their nearest Fish and Game office for copies of the proposed seasons and comment forms, or call their nearest office to speak with a biologist.
Comments will be collected through Aug. 10.
The 2017 season proposals follow the hunting season and bag-limit guidelines as laid out in the Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho.
The guidelines compare the current three-year running average of male sage-grouse counted at leks (breeding sites) from 1996-2000 when Idaho began intensified surveys statewide. Current sage-grouse lek data indicate that many populations could be hunted at the “Restrictive” level. The guidelines also allow the flexibility to consider local issues of concern, such as insufficient data, isolated populations, or impacts of wildfire and West Nile virus.
Sandhill Crane tags available now
Hunters are reminded that Sandhill Crane tags will be available first-come, first-served at Fish and Game license vendors, online at https://idfg.idaho.gov, or by calling 800-554-8685.
Seasons begin Sept. 1-15 or Sept. 16-30, depending on tag type. Tag numbers were increased in all hunt areas to a total of 550 tags. The daily limit is two birds for all hunts, and the season limit is two birds for each hunter.
Hunters can find Sandhill crane hunting information in the 2017-2018 Migratory Game Bird Seasons and Rules brochure available at Fish and Game license vendors and online at https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/rules/migratory.
Second Super Hunt Deadline Looming
Twenty-six hunters have already drawn Super Hunt tags in the first 2017 Super Hunt drawing held in June. The second drawing will make eight more hunters Super Hunt winners. The deadline to enter is Aug. 10.
The 2nd Super Hunt drawing includes:
- 2 elk tags
- 2 deer tags
- 2 pronghorn tags
- 1 moose tag
- 1 Super Hunt Combo with tags for all 4 species
Super Hunt entries are $6 each and Super Hunt Combo entries are $20 each. No license is needed to enter either drawing, and there is no limit on the number of times a person can apply.
Winners can participate in any open hunt in the state for deer, elk, pronghorn or moose with a tag for that species, including general hunts and controlled hunts. Super Hunt tags are in addition to other tags, meaning if you draw a controlled hunt tag or purchase a general season tag, you can still participate in these hunts as well as the Super Hunt.
Money raised by the Super Hunt drawings supports hunters and anglers access to private lands through the Access Yes! program. This program is designed to improve access to or across private land to public land by compensating willing landowners.
For more information, including frequently asked questions and photos of previous winners, visit https://idfg.idaho.gov/superhunt on Fish and Game's website.
Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Region.
